Atlanta Braves Tickets

2010 Atlanta Braves Season Preview The Atlanta Braves finished with 86 wins in 2009, a number that leaves them wondering if they are ready to challenge the Philadelphia Phillies or need to retool before making a run at the National League East.

Atlanta's current roster is a confusing mix of players that really doesn't indicate if they are trying to make a run at the playoffs or going to rebuild.

Players like outfielder Garrett Anderson and third baseman Troy Glaus really have no business being on a team that is trying to contend at this point in their careers. Both players are washed up and injury-prone, yet they are still on Atlanta's roster.

If the team is trying to build for the future, where is all the infusion of young pitching talent? The Braves built their dynasty of the 90's on young starting pitching, and their dominance only came to an end as those guys saw their careers begin to decline.

Tim Hudson is a good starting pitcher, but no longer worthy of being a staff ace. Jair Jurrjens has shown promise, and Tommy Hanson has a bright future ahead of him. After that, it gets a little confusing.

The team desperately tried to trade away veteran pitcher Derek Lowe in the offseason, but could find no takers for his enormous contract. The Braves will have to hope he bounces back in 2010.

Catcher Brian McCann would have to be considered the team's top offensive player. Third baseman Chipper Jones is still very good, but is on the disabled list far too often to be relied upon on a consistent basis.

Shortstop Yunel Escobar has a lot of promise, but he needs someone to give him an attitude adjustment. Once he matures, he could be one of the top players at his position in the entire league.

I did really like the addition of Nate McLouth, a young, gritty outfielder who is the type of player every winning team needs on their roster. The Pittsburgh Pirates made a huge mistake getting rid of him.

After losing Rafael Soriano to free agency, the Braves made a surprising move by signing Billy Wagner to be their new closer. Most reports had Wagner retiring, and it was definitely a gamble considering the serious arm surgery he underwent.

I'm not exactly sure what the Braves are trying to do, but expect them to have enough talent around the diamond to hang around the .500 mark and in the N.L. wild card race this season.